ICPC Secures Conviction of Rector for Running Unaccredited Degree Programmes
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of Mr. Olaniran Satiregun, the Founder and Rector of the International College of Administration Science and Technology, Auta Balefi, Nasarawa State, for offering fake and unaccredited degree courses.
Satiregun was first arraigned alongside the institution in 2024 on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, in violation of Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
During the trial, ICPC Prosecutor Mr. Adesina Raheem presented evidence showing that the college deceived unsuspecting applicants into enrolling in unapproved programmes between 2019 and 2021. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had only accredited the institution to run four specific courses. Despite this, the college admitted students into unapproved programmes such as Nursing, Public Health, and Computer Science.
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One of the charges stated that Satiregun and the college collected N110,000 from a student, Mr. Onmonya Daniel Ogah, under the false promise of a three-year professional programme in Public Health/Nursing Science. The college also falsely claimed the degree would be awarded in partnership with a recognized international university, including professional certifications from various bodies like CIA, CICN, NIMN, and ICAN.
Justice Anyalewa Onoja-Alapa of the Federal High Court in Lafia found both defendants guilty on all counts. The judge sentenced Satiregun to seven years in prison without the option of a fine and ordered that all fees collected from students enrolled in the illegal programmes be refunded.
Additionally, the court directed that the institution immediately restrict its academic offerings to only the four courses approved by the appropriate regulatory authority.
This ruling marks a significant step in the fight against academic fraud and highlights the ICPC’s continued efforts to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system.
By PRNigeria
